Ding-Dong

This past weekend Brad and I did what we could at the house after four days of rain...which was obviously nothing outside. Instead, we went to Lowe's and bought a wireless doorbell (with upgraded button because the plastic one was ugly) and some blinds. I am lucky that he is handy because even though he said both of these were "simple" tasks, I know not everyone's husband could do it and for that I am grateful. He was happy to hear that I did not want to doorbell that plays 60+ different tunes, including Christmas music. All I wanted was a simple single and double-tone bell...even the "Westminster 8 tone" was too much for me. Brad also put up one set of blinds in our bedroom so we can decideif they are the ones we like or not. While we love our Andersen double pane, inside grids, tilt in windows, they are not deep enough to mount blinds inside the window frame. So, they have to be mounted on the trim across the top of the window. Thank goodness he is also patient because I am more concerned with seeing the mounting bracket than how the blinds look. It's a girl thing I think. Have you ever made your own curtains? Suggestions for doing so??

Rain rain, Go away

Dear Weather Gods, Please stop raining in Maryland. I am appreciative that the snow is staying up north, but the rain isn't helping our contractor finish the exterior work on our house. He is doing all that he can while you give us a break. Do I need to do a rain dance for better weather? At least last week was productive - we got a new driveway, electricity and the plumbing was finished. We also got our porch railings installed :). I will upload pics soon.

Back in Action

Well, it is now October which hopefully will be the month we move into our house! Below are a few updated pictures since we are getting closer and closer. We are supposed to have electricity tomorrow which will allow me to vacuum all the carpet fibers everywhere and our driveway should be poured by the end of the week. People keep asking us what the holdup is, but it keeps raining here and the mud is slowing us down!

In Memory

Well, I think I can accurately say that "9/11" has a different meaning for everyone who is at least 20 years old. I was e-mailing a co-worked about something for today, September 11, and wrote 9/11 instead and she called me to say "it freaked me out a little." Isn't that interesting how it effects people? This morning in Washington there was additional traffic and road closures due to the memorial ceremony taking place at the Pentagon which included a visit by the President. Although it is still another day, eight years later, you can't get past it especially when the news stations are replaying footage from eight years ago. This morning a local radio station played something that gave me goosebumps. Google "red skelton pledge" and listen to it and tell me what you think. Red Skelton talks about how in elemnetary school the principal came into his class to explain each word of the Pledge of Allegiance. I never toook much time to think about it in a dissected form, word by word, but I can tell you that it is worth thinking about. To all that have given their lives since 9/11 and before...thanks.

Moving Out...again

Last weekend we moved all of our furniture (besides matress and dining table) out of our basement apartment. Since our lease ends on Sept. 1 (a Tuesday) we needed to do everything in advance. Since moving all the furniture to storage we have continued packing loose items and other things still in the apartment. We both have plans on Saturday, but we'll need to finish up so cleaning can be completed Sunday and hopefully we can be out of there. Where are we moving? Luckily, we have my in-laws since the house is still a few weeks from completion. We will be staying in brad's childhood room and living out of suitcases. Jake our cat has been up there for a week getting used to the change in scenery. We found out that he behaves much better when he is at their house...hopefully he'll be good at our new place too since he will have so much room to roam both inside and outside. How many times have you had to move? Don't count moving from apartment to apartment in college. How many states have you lived in?

Rosettes

Well, I have a wedding in October and have been looking for a dress. Of course the fall dresses just started coming in, but I knew I wanted to find one sooner rather than later. Funny thing is - I found shoes about three weeks ago that I bought, planning on wearing them for the wedding without knowing what dress I would wear. Although I ordered another dress, once I saw this one and was able to weasle a discount at the store, I went ahead and bought it :). I love the texture of the "rosettes" around the neckline andstraps. Now I have to go back to The Limited and return the purple dress I bought, but I think this one is much better. I love when I find a great item and can get it for less than the price on the tag!

What a Beauty!

Above are some still shots from last week's "house razing." Now that our first new home is in place, I can't imagine it not being there! We have gotten some very kind compliments from oru neighbors about how wonderful the house looks, how happy they are that we are moving in, etc. It means alot because our community (consisting of about 15-20 homes) is very close knit with a variety of residents. Some folks lived on their land in trailers for many years, others just moved in, while some have been there for 50+ years. We have enjoyed getting to know them over the last year and can't wait to actually be their neighbors.